lasting

first impressions are the most lasting

proverb People are most apt to remember the initial, introductory evaluation upon meeting a person, encountering something, or experiencing a situation for the first time. It took a while for the two of us to become friends because I didn't have a great first impression of him, and first impressions are the most lasting. Ugh, asparagus just repulses me. The first time I ever had it, it was mushy and gross—further evidence that first impressions are the most lasting. A: "Your father hates me because he still sees me as the 17-year-old doofus who would get his daughter into trouble." B: "It's unfortunate how first impressions are the most lasting."

See also: first, impression, lasting, most

last (one) (up) until (something)

1. Of food or a meal, to provide one with enough nourishment or energy up to some point in the future. The hotel's measly free breakfast didn't even last us up until lunch. Here, have a granola bar. It should last you until we get back home.

2. To be an adequate amount (of something) for one to use up to some point in the future. We bought enough supplies to last us until the storm has passed. Only give each guest one cookie. I want them to last us until everyone has arrived.

3. To remain functional, serviceable, or adequate for one up to some point in the future. We need to buy a car that will last us until the kids are all grown up, not something we'll need to replace in a few years' time. My computer is really struggling to work. I just hope it lasts me until I get my year-end bonus.

See also: last, until

last (up) until (something)

1. To continue or endure up to some future action or point in time. The beach party lasted until sunset. The monarch's rule lasted up until 1705. The president indicated that the stimulus package would last until the economy was healthy again.

2. To be an adequate amount up to some point in the future. We bought enough supplies to last until the storm has passed. Only give each guest one cookie. I want them to last until everyone has arrived.

3. To remain functional, serviceable, or adequate up to some point in the future. We need to buy a car that will last until the kids are all grown up, not something we'll need to replace in a few years' time. My computer is really struggling to work. I just hope it lasts until I get my year-end bonus.

See also: last, until

last for (some period of time)

To endure (something) for a certain period of time. The brake pads need to be replaced already? Wow, they didn't last for very long. I hope we get to the hotel soon—the kids aren’t going to last in the car for much longer. The phone says its battery should last for 40 hours of normal usage.

See also: for, last, of, period

last out

1. To remain, hold out, or endure until the end (of something). A noun or pronoun (referring to the specific thing or period of time one can or cannot endure) can be used between "last" and "out." I haven't properly exercised in over a year, so I don't know how long I'll last out on this run! There's no way the kids will last the entire service out. A lot of would-be athletes can't last out the training camp we run at the start of the season.

2. To remain available, serviceable, or in supply. I don't think the food will last out for the entire party. I just hope my computer lasts out until I get my next pay check.

See also: last, out

lasting shadow (of something)

A persistent and long-lasting feeling or cause of gloom, despair, unhappiness, etc. The economic crisis has cast a lasting shadow over millions of families across the country who wonder how they will afford to keep their homes or feed their children. The people in this region have struggled to survive under the lasting shadow of that terrible war. I don't think we'll understand the shadow this virus has cast on the world for decades to come.

See also: lasting, shadow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

First impressions are the most lasting.

Prov. People will remember the way you appear when you first meet them, so it is important to look and act your best when you meet someone for the first time. George spent two hours picking just the right clothes to wear when he met the head of the law firm, since he knew that first impressions are the most lasting.

See also: first, impression, lasting, most

last out

to hold out; to endure. How long can you last out? I don't think we can last out much longer without food and water. the last roundup Fig. death. (Old West.) To everyone's surprise, he clutched the wound and faced the last roundup with a smile. When I know I'm headed for the last roundup, I'll write a will.

See also: last, out

last something out

to endure until the end of something. Ed said that he didn't think he could last the opera out and left. He couldn't last out the first act.

See also: last, out

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

last out

v.

1. To endure or survive for some period of time: The patient is comatose and won't last the night out. The recruit is determined to last out the training.

2. To continue to be in supply or service for some period of time: Our water supply is barely going to last the week out. I hope these old shoes can last out the month.

See also: last, out

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.